London: Tea Time in Wonderland

Another page turned. Good resolutions taken in the warm cocoon of the festivities. Good resolutions shaken hard by the first day back to work, sometimes even lost on the way there, we’ll pick them up again on the way back home. Sigh, cross out 2011 and write carefully, 2012 each time we write a new date. Such a feeling that everything would be brand new and be slightly surprised that nothing has changed, still lost in the magic of December.

Well, sometimes, the best resolution is to get lots of sparkles of your own, those that will make your eyes and your nails glitter, hypnotise the gaze. What a better way to shine through the day, even when wind and rain threaten to take your umbrella away?

Cheers!
* Drink to the spirit of our beloved Dickens.

Smile:
* Nothing stops a taxi driver. Not even the cold.
* Do you quidditch?
* Art beats the winter blues in the Tube.
* Chips with that?

Yummy time ahead:
* Hélène Darroze will be offering her delicious Galette des Rois, the traditional French cake eaten to celebrate Epiphany, as part of the Connaught‘s afternoon tea. It will also be for sale at the hotel for people to take back home. Give them a call!
* Have a bite at the it/eat address of the moment, the Delaunay.
* Deal. Remember The Rosendale and The Avalon -  delicious (and kids-friendly) gastropubs. You can eat there for half the usual price till the end of the month!

Out of the ordinary:
* Have a closer look at the Olympic Games area.
* Fall in love with short films.
* Disco, karaoke, bowling and garden gnomes. We’re not joking.
* Dream in a London garden.

How better to describe the Comptoir Libanais than to compare it to a ray of sunshine on a dull rainy day? A little travel in itself – a brightly coloured universe, mouthwatering mezze, gorgeous mountains of exotic cakes… Instinctively, your gaze will wander on the tables around you, choosing your meal already, slightly disappointed not to be able to reach out with your fork and try a little bit of this lovely dish on your left.

Their new address in South Kensington already is quite a success and is just adored locally. The terrace overlooks the pedestrian street and is a real pleasure in any sunny day. Let alone, being just outside the tube and on the way to Hyde Park, what a better place to select a picnic?

The menu is as exotic as in the other branches – takes you elsewhere in just a few bites. Start with their homemade lemonades like the apple-ginger-mint (£2.35) to put you in the mood or the orange blossom and pomegranate for a more poetic touch: such a welcome change from the usual soft drinks.

Now let go. Don’t resist. I found it hard to focus on the menu -  too many delicious descriptions! Really, the best plan is to come here with a wonderful friend and choose a wide selection of dishes to share. It is ever so pleasant to butterfly from one plate to another, combining tastes and textures randomly, creatively. Like those Lamb Kibbeh (£4.65), filled with fragrant lamb, onion and pine nuts. Or a salt and sweet effect with the grilled paneer served with an amazing fig and rose jam.

Don’t know where to start? Go right to the counter and get yourself a selection like this one (on the menu for £7.95 also exists as a bigger version for 2). Hummus to die for, slightly smoked aubergine dip, falafel with its rich notes of chickpea and coriander, a freshly made tabbouleh, slightly lemony, a lovely lentil salad, amazing bright pink pickled turnip slices, a sambousek filled with melting feta and warm triangles of pita bread. Quite a feast.

If you are after something warm, moussaka, koftas, shish taouks also are on the card and smell ever so nice. I chose their gorgeous tajine (£7.95) with aubergines  -  the tastes linger on the tastebuds, ending on the sweet chickpea note, the velvety touch of red pepper, oh and just a little bit of that organic yogurt too. Impossible not to add semolina to the dish, the sauce just calls for it.

Meat lovers will probably go straight to the mixed grill (£12.95) -  lamb and chicken kofta, marinated chicken cooked as shish taouk, generous portions, rice cooked with minutely cut onion, matching the nutty taste of the grilled meat.

It is easy to order so many dishes that you will barely have a space for deserts – remember those piles of cakes that just beg to be eaten. Obviously, Comptoir Libanais knows and has little plates all prepared with a few to take away. Or you could enjoy the nearby museums and come back for a touch of sweetness afterwards: those are lovely treats with hearts of hazelnut, walnut, cashew nuts or heavy with honey…

After all, what better than an exotic afternoon tea to take away the winter blues? Pour yourself a cup of mint and rose tea (£2.45) and you will be spell-binded, ready to dream away.

On the side is a small deli with thousand colours – Moroccan honey, date cream with almonds, rose or pomegranate syrup… – just what you need to take this little holiday pause back home.

Comptoir Libanais
1-5 Exhibition Road
London SW7 2HE

Teatime in Wonderland was a guest of Comptoir Libanais.

Shiny machines that look right out of a secret lab, soft shhhh-shhhh song when they come to life, purring when they grind the coffee, wonderful aroma when the latter is then freshly brewed. Simple decoration  with modern lines, touches of colour here and there, blue cups that make you feel like sitting in front of a lagoon, delicious cakes forcing you to stand way too long at the counter when you had decided you just wanted a drink to warm you up. I can tell you in advance they will win – you might as well give up straight away. Why do I love the place so much? Because the espresso is extra strong and just one will keep you awake all day. Trust me – you will thank me beginning of January.

On Saturdays, you can even train to be a barrista – drop them a line!

Prufrock
23-25 Leather Lane
London EC1N 7TE

Hunt down the last few gifts on the list, write the last few cards, hug your favourite colleagues at work, have a nice time, see you next year, comparison of festive plans, who will travel the largest number of km in the shortest time, at least there is no snow this year, no chaos, what a relief, a last card on the way out, forgot to do some for the neighbours, must do that before I go, fill a suitcase, not enough space, empty the suitcase, grumble,  get a bigger one, sit on it, chuckle, in a nutshell: speed up to be able in a few hours to slow down and relax. A merry Christmas to you all!

: We wish you a merry Christmas:
* Quick, a few days left to have a look at this life-size Advent calendar.

Tick-tock, tick-tock, there is shopping left to do:
* Cup of tea, anyone?
* A few places for late/last minute shopping, inclusing on the 24th.

Yummy time ahead:
* Add a little exotism to your last minute preparations and have a Turquish coffee. And maybe a cake. Or two.
* Eat smart. For lobster, click this way, we promise it will not break the bank.
* Fed up with the cooking spirit? Have a break. and a champagne brunch.
* Quick – note in your 2012 agenda your Monday appointments: delicious ramen.

That’s art, baby:
* Apocalypse at the Tate Britain.

A little touch of magic:
* Look out for leaves on the pavement. Between autumn and spring.
* Marvel at one of the most beautiful synagogues in London.
* Royal Mail will launch Roald Dahl stamps in January -  preorder them, they will be gone in no time!

I ♥ London:
* Fall in love again with the city.
* Well done! Fans of the inspiring blog Tired of London, tired of life will be delighted it will soon be followed by a book beginning of January. Well done to the gentle author!

Ah, Baker street and its forever atmosphere of a Conan Doyle adventure. Deep inside we all wish Sherlock homes would come rushing our way, deducting the culprit from a clever analysis. Look -  his profile is everywhere, on the tiles of  the tube station, on the shops. He even has his own museum, at his “real” address.

I am often asked which part of London is best to stay when coming for an express visit. Well, why not this one, especially if you are traveling Eurostar. St Pancras is a mere 4 subway stops away, no change. Marylebone High Street and Oxford street are within walking distance. the circle line will even take you towards Spitafields if you fancy looking for street art, walking down Brick Lane or visiting Columbia Flower Market.

Now, where to stay in that particular neighbourhood? Try the Park Plaza Sherlock Hotel -  two minutes walk down the street when stepping out of the tube. No way you can get lost. A lounge space with inviting leather armchairs will first greet you -  a Sherlock sculpted in wood  looking at you from the bar. Reception is right after this. Check-in is quick and easy, always with a smile. The team will check straight away (even if you are before check in time) whether your room is ready and will explain where the gym, sauna, spa, restaurant are. A lovely welcome always makes you relax and feel on holiday straight away. Someone else is in charge and knows what is going on, you can let go and enjoy. On the walls, illustrations of the famous detective catch the eye – oh, what a pity they do not sell those as postcards!

We had, that day, a wonderful executive studio. So much space – 38 square meters! I can remember my first flat in Paris being less than that. Hotel rooms in Paris (remember I am a froggie) are usually pretty small even in 4 star hotels so this is a real bonus. Makes you regret having packed light for once: I feel like filling drawers and cupboards. On the side is a work space where to connect your laptop -  the cable for the net is provided, as well as a real keyboard if you only came with your smartphone and want to check your mails on the plasma screen – always handy.

Think that’s it? Oh no -  another lounge space makes the room even larger and has its own television. The sofa can be unfolded, providing additional bedding. Perfect for a family of four, everyone having a little world of their own.

The bathroom is well thought too -  spacious, shower and bath separated, wooden and metallic notes for a design yet warm touch. Lovely to find Elemis products too – the British spas favourite brand. Not only the usual treat (shampoo, conditioner, shower gel, body cream) but bath salts, a body buff and even an instant refreshing gel which takes all the tensions off your shoulder after an afternoon walking.

For those, exhausted, who can’t face going back out to hunt for a restaurant (we have all been there), do not hesitate to go down to the restaurant-grill within the hotel. It offers a soothing atmosphere and contrary to most restaurants in town, there is no loud music drowing the conversation. Even better, it has been awarded an AA rosette.

Let me tell you more about the menu -  you will not regret staying in. Let’s start with the Cornish white crab meat (£10) -  generous, lemony, bed of ripe avocados, lovely sweet note of grapefruit, peppery touch of cress…

You could also go for the roasted Cornish king scallops – such a tender heart, melts on the tongue, impressive size, served with a refined cauliflower purée, smooth, beautiful contrast with the caper sauce which adds character to the dish -  a real signature.

And really, you could stop here, totally satisfied, sipping a glass of Sancerre La fuzelle – a fruity Sauvignon blanc, crispy, green apple and lime aromas (£7.75 a glass). Just a dessert to finish on a sweet note.

But you would miss quite something.

The meat is extraordinary. On our waitress’ advice, we tried the beef Rossini, foie gras and truffle sauce. £24 but oh, so worth it. And 200 grams of it too! The stereotype might be that British never succeed to cook rare to perfection -  certainly proven wrong here. The dish is perfect, just perfect. Ever so tender, you will barely need a knife. The foie gras has been freshly prepared, heightened by the truffle taste. A 5 star dish.

The chips (£3) are sure to put a smile on your face -  as much for their size than for the cute presentation.

I cannot hide my pleasure at seeing duck on the menu. While this is very common in France, it is often absent on this side of the Channel. This one (£17) comes from Gressingham, renowned for their high quality of products. The dish is extremely generous – not one but two portions, leg and fillet, slightly crunchy on top, juices so good you will wish you had saved a little bread, fig roasted in honey, grainy flesh on the fragrant one of the duck.

Try some wood roasted vegetables with it (£4) -  beautiful mix of carrots, courgettes, aubergines, always a perfect comfort food in winter.

We definitely were not hungry anymore at that point but to be honest, I can never resist the call of crumble and this one was rhubarb and blackberry (£6). Nice tangy taste balanced by juicy berries, crumbs rich in butter and sugar, served hot, real vanilla ice cream melting. What is not to like?

Another classic  -  after such a  feast, you really want simpler tastes, soothing somehow. Like this crème brûlée (£6), again with real vanilla, crunchiness of the caramel hiding a perfect unctuosity.

The desert wine was just unforgettable. It even beats my beloved Sauternes! The Browns Brothers late harvest muscat (£6.75 per glass) instantly makes you picture orange trees blossoming, thick and white petals releasing their poetic fragrance in the summer air of an exotic country. On the palate, notes of honey, apricot, peach. I have to tip my hat off to that one. A pure Australian nectar.

A last smile to the team who took real good care of us all along and we go back to our room. Ah, the wonderful feeling of a fresh duvet, fluffy pillows! After such a wonderful meal, I expected to sink right in the mattress. I loved the quietness of the room -  not a single noise from the street or the neighbours, so nice after the buzz of Christmassy and crowded London. Needless to say, it took seconds to fall asleep. Yet, if you have energy left, you will find a little Conan Doyle to be read…

In the morning, the space proved again an enjoyable luxury. We could empty and reorganise our bags, cocoon in the bathroom while the other read the magazines available in the comfy sofa, window slightly opened… Another positive point -  at least for me who is easily cold – is the fabulous heating in that building.

Breakfast offers more than the usual buffet -  pastries, meat, fresh fruit. you can order a great choice  à la carte -  omelettes, English breakfast, eggs to your preference, energy pizza (yes!)… Or why not this succulent toasted bagel with salmon, poached egg and cress? What a better way to start the day? If you have a seet tooth, follow my lead and jump right to the pancake part. With maple syrup, of course.

Checking-out is quick, nice chat with the team who take the extra time to know what you thought of your stay, not just listen blandly. Verdict? A comfortable hotel, ideally located in the center, prices being reasonable compared to most hotels in the heart of London. I highly recommend the executive studio if you are coming with two kids.

Park Plaza Sherlock Holmes
108 Baker Street
 London W1U 6LJ

Like it? have a look at this one -  still a Park Plaza but on the County Hall side. The view is, how could I say? Wow.

Teatime in wonderland was a guest of the Park Plaza Sherlock Holmes.

How about doing something different before the year is over? Like, maybe, not just buy the Big Issue to have a clear conscience but stop and chat, ask whether they would like a coffee, make it just a little bit more human than erasing them from your mind after walking past. Or join an Unseen Tour, strolls through London led by homeless guides who therefore know the neighbourhoods like the back of their pocket. Even the most blasé will learn fabulous facts from them. You can also take part in a Sock Mob – volunteers go round with sandwiches and socks, chat with homeless people, try to cut through the isolation, a few minutes that can make a difference. Christmas is not just about buying gifts but sharing, even with total strangers.

The Christmas touch:
* Last week, Santas were racing through London. This Saturday, they will be skating in Hyde Park.
* See a festive movie in a deconsecrated church, all decorated for the occasion. Even better, it is for a good cause.

That’s art, baby:
* Not pop TV but punch TV.
* For the Andy Warhol fans -  the last chapter.

Yummy time:
* Your mouth will water at the only sight of this Sunday Roast.
* Warm up with a flamed cocktail at the One Aldwych. And check in on Four Square too – you will get a mini mince pie crumble with your drink.
* Test a mozzarella bar.
* Now, here is a fab idea-  an afternoon tea with a selection of mini-cocktails rather than just a normal sized one.

Take the little ones along:
* Inspired by Dicken’s A Christmas Carol, the London Museum proposes kids workshops.

Stocking fillers:
* Pop-up boutique + theatre = fun
* Add a little Beatles touch.

Hum along:
* Join the Xmas carols at the Borough Market.
* Dance, rock and twist at the Royal Festival Hall. It’s free!

A touch of magic:
* Share. At least your time and help prepare community meals.
* Don’t follow the trend, get a hula hoop and dance yourself happy.
* A stroll through London. Christmas-themed. Yep. In a kayak.

Until now, going to the hairdresser was, mmh, a little torture-like. Laugh if you wish. I usually leave half-disappointed with the feeling I was not quite listened to. And so the whole session seems to last an eternity. I ruffle my hair back in place as soon as I step out, avoiding the following time as long as I can.

That was before.
I found my paradise hair salon.

Huge, warm smiles welcomes me immediately. A young, dynamic team, a wide space, lots of natural light – you almost feel like putting the radio on and dancing. On the walls, pictures taken by Mr Skött, you get lost in the landscapes, dream away. A touch of  holly, here and there. I was kindly allowed to look around, marvel at the collection of Phyto products and shiny Paul Yacomine bottles, admire the palette of hair colouring tints, ask questions about the Mist machine, which waves hydrate in depth.

I am sat comfortably, cocooned. Here, drinks and home-made brownie are part of the experience. The seasonal choice include cinnamon hot chocolate, Christmas tea, gingerbread latte… The list is long -  you could even indulge in a glass of wine. Previous work or life worries just fade away.

My hair is washed, lathered in beautifully scented products. I had in the past had scalp massages but this one is wonderfully tonic, covers the neck, gives energy back. I feel wonderfully awake.

A little shy, I had not opted for a haircut but a brushing -  I do not give trust immediately. Alexandra, rather than just telling me what would fit me best, asks about my lifestyle, which products I have the time to use. She wants me to feel comfortable, to be able to maintain the hair style easily without having to change my habits or get a top-level training. This is all  about adapting it to me rather than the other way round. She notes details, the way I comb my fringe for example and will not ask again. She also understands my hesitations, completes my half spoken questions, guesses what I am looking for, So very comforting.

I also chat with great pleasure with Raluca, who has a heart of gold, of the local shops, of Bike Minded‘s efforts to get more people cycling, of formidable restaurants in Notting Hill. I learn that the owners, Mr & Mrs Skött, have two dogs, Max & Blue, absolutely adored by the customers. They got so famous they now have products in their name.

I barely remember I am here to get my hair done, although it is being brushed neatly, given volume and shine. An ipad is available, much more pratical than magazines. I look at the mirror. Wow, it it me? The hair looks longer, healthier, silky, end in lovely curls, a star effect for me who always leaves it up. Not only this but it survived the day, the wind, the rain. I felt so much more glamourous.

Verdict? I immediately booked my next appointment, this time for a hair cut, a short version. The atmosphere is so friendly, so turned towards the customer that you can only be seduced by it. It is not about being trendy, competitive or modern, just a human and kind approach. No empty conversations but lots of sharing about anything and everything. Even though I live just outside London, I really felt part of the local vibe. Priceless.

Bonus: at the first visit, you will be given a bag with information and a few samples and a £5 reduction on your next appointment. Even better, the loyalty cards will help you collect points to be exchanged for treaments.

Kel Skött
2-4 Lambton Place,
London W11 2SH

Or

93 Golborne Road,
London W10 5NL